Reds recognised by Football v Homophobia Awards

The fifth edition of the annual event was held at The National Football Museum and was attended by representatives from across grassroots football, supporters’ clubs and top-flight teams. It was an evening to celebrate advocacy, activism, allyship and LGVTQ+ inclusion within sport.

United finished top in a highly competitive category, where Arsenal and Exeter City finished second and third respectively. 

This award recognises the ongoing partnership between United and our official LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Club, Rainbow Devils, to promote better allyship, remove barriers and allow for inclusivity in football, particularly recognising our event, One Love Live, hosted at Old Trafford in December 2023.

One Love Live, ran in partnership with adidas, centred around better allyship in sport and featured a high-profile panel discussion led by guests from across the sport and entertainment LGBTQ+ community, including Olympian Mark Foster, Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton and football journalist Adam Crafton. 

It was hosted by Sky Sports’ Hayley McQueen, daughter of United great Gordon McQueen.

The Football v Homophobia Awards also coincided with last week’s premiere of our fan-focused One Love film, detailing the story of Rainbow Devils’ journey from foundation to their most recent five-year anniversary.

Rainbow Devils chair, Eric Najib, took home third place in the final award of the evening, the prestigious Football v Homophobia Hero Award, recognising his commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion as first-team manager of Stonewall FC men since 2006, and his instrumental role in founding the Rainbow Devils.

 

🏆 🥇 WINNER - Professional Club Award sponsored by @EFL@ManUtd #FvH2024 pic.twitter.com/QKj8XtqD3x

— FootballvHomophobia (@FvHtweets) February 23, 2024

Rick McGagh, United’s director of fan engagement, said on the evening:

“We’re delighted to have won Professional Club Award at the Football v Homophobia Awards, and we want to dedicate it to the Rainbow Devils who do a fantastic job for their 1000+ members. 

“The One Love Live event was all about how we can be better and more effective allies to the LGBTQ+ community and I want to thank adidas, and the team at Manchester United for putting on such a great and meaningful event.

“There is a line in the film we have just released about Rainbow Devils which has really stuck with me – one of their members says: ‘Rainbow Devils has given me the confidence to go to United and really be myself.’

“All fans should feel able to attend games at their club and be themselves. We still have a long way to go - but with groups like Rainbow Devils, events like tonight and the support and resources of clubs like Manchester United and our partners, it is something we will achieve. Football is for everyone.”